The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UK

  • Nigerian women honoured in UK

    The Nigerian Students’ Society (NSS) at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom has celebrated some selected women during the International Women’s Week held in the university.

    The honorees included Chimamanda Adichie, the late Dr Stella Adedavoh, Prof Viola Onwuliri, Kate Henshaw, Pastor Esther Ibanga, Tiwa Savage, Ms Amina Mohammed, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Blessing Okagabre, Funmi Iyanda and Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola.

    Speaking at the event, the president of the Society, Kelechi Anyikude, who was represented by the Publicity Secretary, Adeola Adeyemi, said that the women were chosen based on their achievements and for being role model to the youth.

    Adeola said many women deserved to be honoured for their exceptional activities in Nigeria. He pointed out that the honorees were selected from numerous women who do extraordinary activities. He paid a special tribute to the late Adedavoh whose heroic act save Nigeria from the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). He urged everyone to remember her in their prayers.

    A billboard which displayed the honorees’ photograph stood at the Society’s office for seven day during which students from various countries read their profile. The Society’s members, including Dami Adebayo, Anietie Usen, Efemena Onedo and Chisom Ohioma were on ground to tell visitors the stories which made the honorees outstanding.

    It would be recalled that similar event was held by the Society last year, where 12 female entrepreneurs were honoured, including Folurunsho Alakija, Adenike Ogunlesi, Mo Abudu, Betty Irabor, Linda Ikeji, Tara Fela-Durotoye and Olayinka Adebayo, among others.

  • Court okays extradition of ex-Mint boss to UK for trial

    •Okoyomon appeals decision

    Federal High Court in Abuja has acceded to a request by the Federal Government for the extradition of a former Managing Director of Nigerian Security, Minting and Printing Company, Emmanuel Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, to the United Kingdom for trial on fraud related charges.

    Justice Evoh Chukwu, in a judgment yesterday on the Federal Government’s application for extradition filed through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN), held that the applicant provided sufficient evidence to warrant the grant of the application.

    He granted the application and ordered that Okoyomon be remanded in prison until he is extradited to the UK within 30 days.

    But, Okoyomon has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja against the judgment by Justice Chukwu.

    He has equally applied for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the determination of his appeal.

    The UK government, through its High Commission in Nigeria, in July 2014 requested the Federal Government to help extradite Okoyomon to the country for trial over his alleged complicity in the bribery allegation involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NSMPC and the Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008.

    The offences were said to have violated the provisions of the Corruption Prevention Act of the United Kingdom.

    Based on the request by the UK, the government applied to the court for an extradition order, an application which Okoyomon, through his lawyer Alex Iziyon (SAN) opposed via a notice of objection, on the ground that there was no existing extradition treaty between the UK and Nigeria.

    He argued that the extradition treaty between the United States of America and the Great Britain, signed in London in 1931 and the London Scheme of Extradition within the Commonwealth,  relied on by the applicant, were  not applicable and justiceable in Nigeria within the meaning of the provision of Section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

    Yesterday, Justice Chukwu dismissed Okoyomon’s objection and held that the 1931 London Treaty between the U.S. and Great Britain, made applicable in Nigeria by legal instruments on June 24, 1935, is an existing  law by virtue of the provision of Section 315(4) of the Constitution and is applicable in Nigeria.

    “Having said the 1931 London Treaty between the U.S. and the UK is applicable in Nigeria and is an existing law, it does not require to pass the crucibles of both 1979 and 1999 Constitution, which must be subjected to the provision of Section 12 of the same constitution,” the judge said.

    On the applicant’s allegations to the effect that the respondent was wanted in the UK in relation to some criminal allegations, the judge observed that Okoyomon raised no defence against the allegations, which formed the grounds of the request for his extradition.

    Justice Chukwu, who noted that Okoyomon is a British citizen, said he would never recklessly surrender a Nigerian citizen, and a non-Nigerian alike, unless the court was satisfied beyond measure that such a person deserved to be extradited.

    The judge held that “the applicant has satisfied the court with materials substantial enough to grant his application,” and proceeded to grant the application.

  • Club predicts UK growth of 2.8%

    Low inflation and stronger eurozone growth should help the United Kingdom (UK) economy expand 2.8% this year despite political uncertainty ahead of the election, according to an EY Item Club report.

    It said low inflation was adding to the benefits of higher employment and the positive effects of lower oil prices.

    Item Club chief economic adviser Peter Spencer said the financial markets seem prepared for further Greek problems.

    But potential headwinds were a weak government and EU referendum, he said.

    The forecast growth is slightly down on the 2.9% expansion that the Item Club previously predicted, due to official fourth-quarter GDP figures coming in weaker than expected.

    The Item Club forecasts growth in 2016 of 3%, up from 2.9% estimated previously.

    Inflation has fallen to zero in recent months and, along with improvements in employment, is boosting consumer confidence, the Item Club’s spring forecast said.

    The report said an added bonus was coming from recovery in the eurozone, helped by the European Central Bank’s €1.1 trillion (£790billion) asset purchase stimulus programme.

    The euro bloc’s recovery should offset a hit to overseas trade from the strength of the pound, the Item Club said.

    Mr Spencer said: “The economy is taking the general election in its stride as ‘noflation’ trumps politics. The eurozone recovery is bedding in and completes the positive UK growth picture that we anticipate for 2015 and 2016.

  • Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship in UK, 2015

    The University of Edinburgh is offering one full-time Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is available for students pursuing one of the  Global Health Academy programmes. Scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

    Study Subject(s): Scholarship are awarded in the field of Anthropology of Illness, Family Medicine, Global Health, Global Health and Public Policy, Global Health and Anthropology, Health Inequalities and Public Policy, Health Systems and Public Policy, Science Communication and Public Engagement, Public Health

    Course Level: Scholarship is available for masters level degree at University of Edinburgh.

    Scholarship Provider: The University of Edinburgh, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

    Eligibility: -The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016.

    •Applicants who have already commenced their programme of study on the closing date are not eligible for this scholarship.

    •Applicants intending to study part-time or online distance learning courses are not eligible for this scholarship.

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Applicants must be both nationals of and resident in one of Nigeria.

    Scholarship Description:

    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship

    The University of Edinburgh will offer one full-time master’s scholarship for eligible programmes offered by the University.

    Number of award(s):  It offers one full-time Master’s scholarship

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

    What does it cover? The scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100.

    Selection criteria: The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2:1 Honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent.

    Notification: A Selection Committee will meet in late June 2015 to select the scholarship holders. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in July 2015.

    How to Apply: The mode of application is online.

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

    Read more: 2015 Master’s Scholarship at The University of Edinburgh, UK Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

    End

     

     

  • Hiring of workers in UK remains at ‘sky-high’ levels

    Employers in the United Kingdom (UK) plan to keep hiring more staff, but concerns remain about the country’s failure to raise productivity, a new report has warned.

    The latest Business Trends Report by BDO gave an employment index reading of 113.0 for March.

    That was almost the same as February’s figure and well above the 100 level that indicates growth above the long-term trend.

    The report indicated that companies were likely to keep creating jobs.

    “The hiring intentions of UK firms are at ‘sky-high’ levels with figures stronger than the heady days of the mid-2000s boom,” BDO said.

    UK unemployment fell by 102,000 to 1.86m in the three months to January, with the unemployment rate at 5.7per cent, according to official figures.

    The report’s optimism index showed that business confidence remained well above the 100 mark.

    However, it also highlighted the static level of British workers’ output per hour, a situation “unique amongst advanced economies”.

    Recent Office for National Statistics figures showed that productivity has not increased since 2007, which was unprecedented in the post-war period.

    The weakness has perplexed economists and been described by the International Monetary Fund as a major risk to growth.

    BDO partner Peter Hemington said the UK’s continuing poor labour productivity performance was a significant concern.

    “Although employment growth in recent years has been strong, much of this has been in part-time jobs,” he said.

    “Productivity, ultimately, determines our prosperity so it is a crucial area that must be addressed. Policy makers of all persuasions must take on this productivity puzzle.”

  • ‘Why I left teaching job in UK for hospitality business in Nigeria

    ‘Why I left teaching job in UK for hospitality business in Nigeria

    Dr. Segun Akindayini left for the United Kingdom at the age of 20 years. Although his life revolves around entertainment, he was for many years an academic. Only recently, he set up Chicago Bar Grill and Motel in Ogun State in addition to his chain of businesses. For 10 years, he was a lecturer at Tames University in the United Kingdom. He was also one of the people that pioneered the marketing of Nigerian films in the UK with the setting up of African Video Centre in the early 90s. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, Akindayini talks about the challenges of coming from abroad to do business in Nigeria, life in the UK and US and his regrets, among other issues. Excerpts: 

    YOUR lounge and office are dotted with pictures of revolutionaries like Fidel Castro, Fela and Bob Marley. Does it mean you share their philosophies?

    The people you have mentioned are unique individuals. They speak to my life sort of. You would see Muhammed Ali, Malcom X, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Michael Jackson; not forgetting Mariam Makeba and Oprah Winfrey. These people are like mentors to me. I surround myself with them. I won’t call myself a revolutionary, but I always like to reinvent myself. If you continue on one form or field for so long, you could be an expert. There is nothing wrong with that. But it is nice to have little bit of side interest. So I always like to reinvent myself.

    What was growing up in Europe like?

    It is a different life. In Europe, it was challenging. When I first travelled, I was 20 years old. That was in 1977. I was born in 1957. My early life in Europe was for studying. Before I left Nigeria, I did City and Guild Electrical Installation Work. In England, I did my OND, HND and first degree. I went through the academic route.

    In the early days, it was easier. You could, as long as you’re not lazy, do part time work and study and still make a living, as long as you know you are focused. However, the Europe of that time is totally different from the Europe of this day and age. But with the advent of technology, you don’t really have to go abroad to do things or to make waves. You can do that in the corner of your bedroom via the internet. Life in the early 80s was more challenging.

    Nowadays, there is no difference between living in Lagos and living in the New York. The CNN is the same thing worldwide. The point is that everything is within your reach. The opportunities are there but you have to be able to make sacrifice to achieve what you are aiming at.

    America is a bigger apple. There are bigger and better opportunities and racial integration is more acceptable in the other side of the Atlantic, which is the US. In some countries in Europe, even today, they are still skeptical if you are black. It is a different ball game comparing Europe to Africa where we are now.

    Do you sometime feel like going back to your lecturing job in Europe?

    I’ve lived my life in Europe; I will only love to go back for holiday. I have my children there. I have my home there but Nigeria is my home and I’m based here fully. I wish I could live in Nigeria for the remaining part of my life, though I always love to go back on trips.

    On going back for education and teaching, in education, you learn every day. That time of my life is over now. I’ll rather say I want to establish another Chicago somewhere, which is education as well. I don’t think I can go back to teaching in Europe. I don’t know what you can offer me to go back into teaching. I enjoyed it.

    Your hat is always with you. Is that a signature or what?

    I don’t know. I wear various hats but I just like this particular one.

    How does your wardrobe look like?

    Casual, simple, smart, inventive. I like to be daring so you see me with different crazy hats or crazy outfits. It goes with show business. It is an image of Houston in Chicago.

    Any regrets?

    Not knowing God before now. In the early parts, you forget that there is a source to everything. This achievement of Chicago Bar Grill and Motel came to be with the work of God in my life, and it shows that when you are facing some challenges, you revert to where the source of things originated. You learn to know God, read your bible, it helps really. This has helped me to know God. I wish I had known God earlier, when I was younger. It wouldn’t have been this kind of journey. Maybe it would have been different. The consolation is God’s plan is for my life as it is in the bible. I’m glad that I can now try to work hand in hand with the Creator.

    Tell me about an experience you had abroad that you would never forget.

    I think the worst day in my life in the United Kingdom was when I was locked out in winter by a close relative. But that led me into the glory I’m enjoying now. So I would say that was the worst day of my life. I would also say that was the beginning of the best days of my life. The day I was locked out of my home with my children in the house; that was the transformation of my life.

    When you started hospitality business, what were the initial challenges?

    The challenges we are facing at Chicago’s Bar Grill and Motel is like the challenge every small business in the developing world faces. First of all, the opportunities are there. No matter the field you happen to be interested in, it is viable. Golden opportunities are here in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. But there is inherent problem of power. You become a local government to yourself. You provide all the basic and essential things people take for granted in places like Europe. It is all part and parcel of what you have to worry about in addition to worrying about your business. You have to be able to prepare your mind and take that in your stride.

    However, that is something you have to face head on. ‘Chicago’ has been fortunate in the sense that it appeals across board. If you are sad, if you need something to pep you up, you can come to buy drink or listen to music; something to take your mind off your worries. It is a place of amusement. My field is like happy therapy of doctors. You need to come here; we give you a good environment, send you back in a happy mood that will help you face your life challenges in other areas. Because Chicago is being well accepted by the general public, the challenges or the pressure has not been that much. Although the challenges are still there, because you see some results coming, you really appreciate this and you still want to go forward. It encourages you. That is more or less the kind of drive that helps me face the challenges concerning setting up a business in this kind of environment. Face the challenges and you take it step by step. Keep pushing and you will achieve your aim. You can then stand tall and say yes, I’ve done it or yes, I’ve made it. It is easier abroad. You have the support of banks, rich families. You take things for granted. It happens so fast. Here you do it yourself, which is better. Really, it prepares your mind and makes you who you are.

    Why did you adopt the name Chicago?

    The name Chicago is a trade name I’ve always loved. I’ve been to Chicago many times. I’ve lived most of my life in Europe, UK to be precise. I do travel across to the United States, Chicago. In addition to that, there is an entertainment club chain that is called Chicago in the United Kingdom. It originated from Chicago and I’ve been part and parcel of that company.

    The influence of that kind of place played a major role in our plan to replicate that kind of idea or initiative in Nigeria; that is why I have the name Chicago. It is easier and catchy. People would want to know what Chicago is, and it rings a bell.

    Why did you decide to site Chicago in Akute, Ogun State, of all places? One would have expected you to site the brand in a high brow area in Lagos?

    They are two-fold actually. It happened by chance that I have a property in Akute. I found that because of the objective of the vision of Chicago, it could be located anywhere. It is not where it is located but the service that we provide. We provide tangible service with a reasonable price and value for money. If the environment is unique, people will find you out, no matter where you are. I also believe that the package of Chicago initiative and Chicago Motel itself is good enough anywhere. It is perfectly located.

    What were you doing before you ventured into hospitality business?

    I used to live in London and I worked there. Like many people of my age, we left Nigeria to study many years back. I have a PhD in Material Science. My first degree was in Electrical/Electronics. I lectured in the United Kingdom for many years and veered into business. I came back to Nigeria 10 years ago with one of my productburglar alarms. It was marketed by the famous Mahogany Production. The outfit was owned by the former Village Headmaster, Mr. Femi Robinson, and it was popular on the television. We did business with television companies- NTA and others. Eventually, it turned into entertainment outfit.

    I took Nollywood films or Nollywood initiative back to the United Kingdom. That was in 1990. I’ve always been into entertainment or hospitality one way or the other. Entertainment is priceless, unique and universal. So my returning back home, I found that there is an outlet for this kind of outfit that we have.

    Why are you still not lecturing, considering the fact that most people don’t leave academics till they retire?

    I was in it for about 10 years. I did my PhD in 1985 at the Tames Polytechnic, which is now Tames University or as they call it, Great Nation University in London. For five years, I was lecturing in the same place and developing some trade secrets material for the defence. After that, I lectured there for another five years. I had 10 years of education establishment environment and I just wanted a change really. If there is something in you, you can apply it in any area of life. Because it is your knowledge, it doesn’t go away from you. I was tired of it (education), but I really enjoyed it. It was good I found out that business, meeting new people, art and entertainment came to take more of my attention. And I became happier because when you’re into lecturing, it is always serious research. I just got tired of it and I wanted something that would free my brain a little bit, hence I went into entertainment.

    What about your security outfit?

    That went on. That was my first company: Abulon Electronics. We were manufacturing inverters and burglar alarm system that is 24-hour controlled and linked to the police stations. It was quite good. We sold if off and we concentrated on producing films and marketing films in the United Kingdom.

    If you were to advise somebody coming to invest in Nigeria, what are the things you are likely to tell the person?

    The person has to know that it is a different world here totally. That person who has been living abroad and wanting to relocate has to have that frame of mind that yes, you’re leaving a comfort zone. You have to know that if you continue to live in a comfort zone, you are more or less limiting yourself to your surroundings. You must first have that drive. That drive will help you adapt to the new situation.

    Be prepared to face it head on. Be prepared not to grumble. People think differently here. The person coming to invest from abroad needs to know that it is a separate rule of engagement. Know your way, be focused on your ambition and project and make sure it is adding value to the country and to the people and to your own life. Because if we all do that one by one, at the end of the day, everything we are enjoying abroad is not achieved overnight and it is like being built upon. Why not come back, sow this seed in your country, in your home and try to let these things grow. If we all do this one by one, it will add up and ease the pressure for the future generation.

    So, I will advise go for it, be focused and face the challenges head on. Keep your eyes on the prize because at the end of the day, that is the ultimate.

    From your experience, would you say hospitality business is worth investing in?

    It is an industry that is changing all the time. It has its challenges. Everywhere you go, you are not going to be alone. This is where we are different in Chicago business plan. We give you comfortable environment. Our rooms are fully air-conditioned to the top range you can get, and it is affordable. Just like every industry, it is challenging and competitive. You must be unique because people like uniqueness. No matter the area of business, make yours to be different. Make yours to be of value to the customers, then you will be successful. It might take some time but you will succeed. That should be the drive.

    Night life used to be buoyant. Things are different right now. How much of has this affected your business?

    Definitely that has come to play in this hospitality business. You go to a bar; you are worried about how to get home. It does affect business. Yes, the security situation in really affecting the business. People still make time to have fun. But it could be better.

    How much of support did Chicago get from the host community?

    The main support I have from the community is that they were receptive to my ideas. So when the idea came on how we can have this sort of establishment in this kind of residential area, you have to try and educate them that you are different, you want to add value to the community, you want to be a focal point for them, a centre of attraction. We have it as our policy to contribute and give back to the community. We supply the street light from our own generator. We sort of commence the initiative of maintaining the road, which is a very hard project. When it is dark, they see light. Pedestrians can walk easily, drivers can move on fairly passable road, so it is worth both ways. Chicago has added value to where we are and the community has appreciated that and they have given us back in patronage and encouragement.

     

  • Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship in UK, 2015

    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship in UK, 2015

    The University of Edinburgh is offering one full-time Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is available for students pursuing one of the  Global Health Academy programmes. Scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

    Study Subject(s): Scholarship are awarded in the field of Anthropology of Illness, Family Medicine, Global Health, Global Health and Public Policy, Global Health and Anthropology, Health Inequalities and Public Policy, Health Systems and Public Policy, Science Communication and Public Engagement, Public Health

    Course Level: Scholarship is available for masters level degree at University of Edinburgh.

    Scholarship Provider: The University of Edinburgh, UK

    Scholarship can be taken at: UK

    Eligibility: -The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is accepted for admission onto an eligible Global Health Academy programme at the University of Edinburgh commencing in 2015-2016.

    •Applicants who have already commenced their programme of study on the closing date are not eligible for this scholarship.

    •Applicants intending to study part-time or online distance learning courses are not eligible for this scholarship.

    Scholarship Open for International Students: Applicants must be both nationals of and resident in one of Nigeria.

    Scholarship Description:

    Edinburgh Global Health Academy Master’s Scholarship

    The University of Edinburgh will offer one full-time master’s scholarship for eligible programmes offered by the University.

    Number of award(s):  It offers one full-time Master’s scholarship

    Duration of award(s): Not Known

    What does it cover? The scholarship will cover the UK/EU “home” rate of tuition fee of up to £8,100.

    Selection criteria: The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2:1 Honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent.

    Notification: A Selection Committee will meet in late June 2015 to select the scholarship holders. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in July 2015.

    How to Apply: The mode of application is online.

    Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

    Read more: 2015 Master’s Scholarship at The University of Edinburgh, UK Scholarship Positions 2015 2016

    Home Apri 2019

     

     

     

  • FUTA, UK varsity sign MoU

    FUTA, UK varsity sign MoU

    The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with De Montfort University, (DMU) Leicester, United Kingdom.

    The FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebiyi Daramola and the Pro Vice-Chancellor for DMU, James Gardner, signed the aggreement for their institutions to collaborate on academic and other related matters.

    Under the agreement FUTA workers and students will have opportunities to undertake knowledge sharing and skills development that will improve creativity, networking, cultural integration, leadership and team work.

    The benefiting departments in FUTA are Architecture and Industrial Design.

    The MoU gives students possibility of transferring from third year of undergraduate programme to complete studies at DMU. There are also provisions for six-month Industrial Training, 10 days short workshops/courses in summer, winter or Easter break to cover design and theory in Architecture, with a field trip to a continental European city.

    Members of staff on the other hand would get opportunity to undergo their PhD in full time, split size six months or by distance learning; co-host conference on Tropical Architecture, conduct adjunct lecturing via Skype and enjoy visiting fellowships.

    The collaboration, an initiative of Dr Dorcas  Ayeni, an alumnae of DMU School of Architecture  who is a lecturer in FUTA’s Department of Architecture, had inputs from  the Head, School of Architecture, DMU, Prof Raymond Quek,  the FUTA Vice Chancellor, and the Director of the International Office, FUTA, Prof Afolabi Akindahunsi.

    FUTA is also collaborating many other universities from across the world including the Fort Valley University, Georgia, United States where the first set of FUTA students are expected for their one year complementary studies in August; and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, USA where the second set of FUTA students are already undergoing their one year complementary studies.

  • Edo ringleader of child sex smuggling gang extradited to UK

    Edo ringleader of child sex smuggling gang extradited to UK

    A 36-year old Nigerian mother of one, Franka Asemota, was last week arrested in Benin City, the Edo state capital, and extradited to the United Kingdom.

    She was accused of being Ring Leader of an International child sex smuggling gang.

    The arrest which was carried out by men of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) who has been working with the National Crime Agency of the UK since 2011 took place at a fancy shop located neat New Benin market in Benin City, believed to be proceeds of money laundering.

    One of the charges against Asemota according to Police sources is that she accompanied about 40 victims of sex trafficking on eight separate flights into Heathrow airport, London, UK, between 2011 and 2012.

    The lady who is facing extradition to Britain, where she is wanted for organising a network that trafficked young women — most aged under 18 — from remote Nigerian villages into Europe using Heathrow airport as a transit hub.

    The girls were promised education or jobs such as hairdressing in such European countries as France, Belgium, and Spain but were forced into prostitution.

    Others were raped under oaths even as their traffickers were said to have used witchcraft to terrify them that their parents would be killed, so they would not talk to police or attempt to escape.

    A European arrest warrant was issued for her from the UK, when she was thought to be in Italy but she it was later discovered that she has relocated to Nigeria, where the NCA working with NAPTIP and the Nigerian Police traced her.

    The UK-based NCA said: “Asemota’s arrest was the result of exceptional collaboration with our partners at home and in Nigeria” adding, “This operation demonstrates our global reach and our determination  to track those wanted in the UK, no matter where in the world they are.”

    Asemota’s arrest may have been aided by the whistle blown by a Nigerian member of the trafficking ring, Odosa Usiobaifo, of Enfield, UK, who was jailed for 14 years by Isleworth crown court in 2013 for conspiring to traffic for sex exploitation.

    In October 2014, David Osawaru, another Nigerian, was jailed for nine years for chaperoning two women in transit to Prague, Czech Republic. He had been arrested by Border Force officers at Heathrow.#

  • Nigerian students in UK raise money for IDPs

    Disturbed by the condition of living in camps of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in the country, Nigerian students studying at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom have held a concert to raise money for the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

    The concert, tagged Verses for peace, was held at the auditorium of St. Mark’s Church in Leeds. Dignitaries at event included the Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK, Alhaji Dalhatu Tafida, represented by Mr Simon Olgah. Others are Pastor Raph Ibiyeye, Mrs Majestic Marvina, Mr Sammy Omotese, Mr Martin Chukwemeka, Mr Osahon Ogieva and other members of the Nigerian community in the UK.

    The President, Nigerian Students’ Society (NSS), Kelechi Anyikude, a doctoral student of the university, said there was need to alleviate the suffering of the displaced people, noting that the the war on insurgency had deprived them of their livelihood.

    Anyikude urged the participants to observe a minute silence in honour of the Nigerian soldiers and the civilians who died in the fight against Boko Haram. He said supporting the military to win the war would be the best honour to the memories of the dead.

    Olgah, who spoke on Tafida’s behalf, hailed the students’ initiative, saying the envoy would support all lawful initiatives to assist government in its efforts to cater for the needs of the IDPs.

    Olgah promised to relate back the students’ message to the ambassador.

    Ibiyeye, a pastor of the Redeemed Church in Leeds, enjoined the students not to be used by politicians to arrange false protest for political gain. He also prayed for peace during general elections, appealing to politicians to play politics with the fear of God.

    For Mrs Marvina, the idea of the concert deserved commendation. Miss Bisola Babalola, the NSS Vice President, said the concert was the student’s way to contribute their quota to development of Nigeria.

    The VP, a final year Law student, emphasised that there is need for strong cooperation. She said there were no negotiations to Nigeria’s unity, urging everyone to unite to collectively build the Nigeria of citizens’ dreams.

    Anyikude praised President Goodluck Jonathan on his determination to end insurgency in North, adding: “The money raised would be sent back to Nigeria to help the internally displaced people.”

    Femi Omoniyi coordinated the concert, while Bamidele Odusote’s dance step attracted people to the event.